They Do All Their Deeds To Be Seen By Others

I am writing this article for myself. I record and share videos of our Sunday worship sets. I record my sermons and distribute them on podcasts. I have an Instagram dedicated to Bibles and books. What does Jesus have to say about my platforms?

Here is a word of warning for those who serve on stage. And a kind caution for those who display themselves in the digital realm. 

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. - Matthew 23:1-12.

Resolved to Hate the Pride of the Heart

What was the root issue that Jesus addressed when he condemned the scribes and the Pharisees? They do all their deeds to be seen by others. They were hypocrites. They did not practice what they preached. They wanted to be seen as spiritual and successful. And they wanted the benefits that come with it.

They wore clothes to boast, they wanted priority at the feasts and in the synagogues, and they wanted to be acknowledged in the marketplace and to be esteemed for their role. They wanted the praise of man because they loved themselves. 

Dr. Michael J. Ovey said it well: They do not love God, nor their neighbors, but do love prestige and position. They are proud, self-reliant and hypocritical.

Resolved to Love the Lord of my Life

So a word of warning for those who serve on stage. And a kind caution for those who display themselves in the digital realm. Love God more than you love yourself. Seek the praise that comes from God rather than the praise from man. While you can put on a show and influence others, the Lord searches and seeks after your heart.

You must be self-aware of posturing and virtue signaling. Do not be hypocritical. Share because you genuinely care, not because you want the clicks and clout. Do not be attention-seeking, but give attention to the One who deserves it and point to his power, purposes, and promises.

Keep doing good deeds, but do everything to the glory of God. Do not seek after your own, but strive to serve others. Decrease your ego and increase the character of Christ. Long for the ultimate approval from our Heavenly Father: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”